The
Burial of the Sardine
(L’Enterrement de la sardine) by Fernando Arrabal - List of Characters
1.
Hieronymus
Hieronymus is the central
character of The Burial of the Sardine. He is a dwarf who lives in a
confined room and spends much of his time observing the outside world through a
window. His restricted existence makes him dependent on the people who visit
him and curious about the world beyond his room. He experiences events with a
mixture of innocence, uncertainty, and fascination. His eventual departure from
the room and entry into the procession marks an important change in his
situation.
2.
Altagora
Altagora is one of
the two women who regularly visit Hieronymus. She plays an important role in
his isolated existence and becomes involved in his experiences, memories, and
understanding of the outside world. Her relationship with Hieronymus combines
elements of companionship, instruction, authority, and control. Her presence
contributes greatly to the strange and disturbing atmosphere of the play.
3.
Lis
Lis is the second
woman who visits Hieronymus. Like Altagora, she becomes closely connected with
his confined life and participates in the unusual experiences that take place
in the room. Her relationship with Hieronymus is complicated and sometimes disturbing.
She contributes to the uncertainty surrounding his experiences and later
becomes associated with the mysterious funeral procession.
4.
The Figures of the Procession
The procession
contains a number of strange and grotesque figures who pass outside
Hieronymus's window. They do not function as conventional individual characters
with fully developed personal histories. Instead, they form part of the bizarre
public spectacle surrounding the Burial of the Sardine. Their presence gives
the outside world its carnival-like and unsettling character.
5.
The Figures Carrying the Coffins
The figures carrying
the coffins appear during the later part of the procession. Their appearance
connects the carnival spectacle with death and creates a striking transition in
the dramatic action. The coffins and the people associated with them become particularly
significant because of their connection with Altagora and Lis.
6.
The Crowd
The crowd forms the
larger social background of the procession. Although the individual members are
not developed as conventional characters, their collective presence emphasizes
the contrast between Hieronymus's isolated existence and the active public world
outside his room. The crowd also contributes to the theatrical, ritualistic,
and grotesque atmosphere of the play.
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